PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS
September is the starting month for the FALL IS FOR PLANTING campaign. This is especially true this year because of all the rain that we received in August. The record rainfall has put lots of moisture in our soil and this makes planting now the better than ever.
Here are four good reasons why you want to plant this fall:
FOR THE EXERCISE / BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY
Working outside in your gardens or landscape is a great workout for your body, mind, and soul. This year especially has been challenging for so many people who have had to stay home and away from work and school. But, so many have found happiness being outside in the gardens and around plants. People have added new plantings, worked on the existing landscape around the house. This is a great physical exercise. So many homeowners have studied up on plants and plant products. They have learned the names of plants and what kind of care they require. This is all good exercise for the mind.
LESS WATER STRESS FOR PLANTS
Like I said earlier, August gave us a lot of rain. This rain put needed moisture in our soil. Who knows what rain we will get in September but even if the fall brings only moderate or average rainfall, that’s ok because we cool down when shrubs and trees start to go dormant which leads to less water needed by our plants.
WARM SOIL TEMPERATURES AND COOLER AIR = HAPPY PLANTS
Just about every plant hardy in this area prefers moderate temperatures to summer’s scorching heat. At the same time, plants like to sink their toes in warm soil. Fall is the only time of year you get those conditions – soil is still warm from the summer sun, but daily average temperatures are more comfortable for plants.
FEWER INSECT PESTS AND DISEASES IN THE FALL
Leaf chewers and leaf suckers are minimal this time of year. They are more active in the spring and summer than in the fall. Because of having fewer insect and disease issues make for less stressed plants that root in better.
Just writing this blog has made me feel better and stronger about taking advantage of this time of year and wanting to spend more time outside with my plants and gardens.
So, my challenge to all of you – PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS – this fall and make your life and the lives in your family and around you a little happier.